THIS CHRISTMAS, REMEMBER THAT SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE.
The biblical account of Jesus’ birth as found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke especially, underscore the similarities between then and now. Here are three main things to think about:
THE PLACE into which Jesus came is the same. It was a world that, in the first place, had been made sad by sin. Every hospital, funeral home, cemetery, prison, insane asylum, etc. is a monument, and all the corruption, immorality, madness and meanness, etc. in our society is a testimony that nothing has changed about this. Secondly, the world into which Jesus came was and is a world condemned and mandated to an eternity of separation and suffering in a hell. This is still true, this Christmas concerning the world in which we’re living
THE PEOPLE to whom Jesus came 2000 years ago fit basically into the same two categories into which people fit today. The first category consisted and consists of those who who feel threatened by His presence — including (1), the ruling class, represented by Herod. These were and are the political policy-makers, trend-setters and culture-molders of society; people who are intimidated, indifferent and pretentious where Jesus is concerned. The second set of people who feel threatened by Jesus is the religious class represented by the “chief priests and scribes of the people.”This is the religious crowd, whether catholic, protestant, liberal or conservative, that shares the attitude of the innkeeper in the Christmas story; they have no room, really, for Jesus in their world.
But the account of Jesus' birth also tells of those who were thrilled by His presence — the learned seers and sages who came seeking Him from afar and the lowly shepherds who were summoned to Him by angels. These were those who welcomed Him, and worshipped Him and went home “another way” after they’d found Him. Into which of these two categories do you fit this Christmas? Are you threatened, intimidated, indifferent, pretentious or put off by the fact of Jesus’s presence or are you thrilled, inspired, and praising Him because He has come into this world?
THE POWER with which Jesus came into this world hasn’t changed. The same power that brought Him into the world then can bring Him into your heart and life now. The same power that blessed the hearts and lives of those who received Him gladly 2,000 years ago as their Lord and Savior has been and is still blessing those who receive Him now as their Lord and Savior.
THE PROMISES of God haven’t changed in terms of what God’s Christmas gift is: “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Nothing has changed about who this gift is for: “ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lordshall be saved“ (Rom. 10:13). And, nothing has changed about when you can have this gift: “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Cor. 6:2). You will receive this gift as soon as you by faith, unequivocally repent of your sin, asking and receiving forgiveness of it and receive Jesus Christ once and for all as your Lord and Savior. (Please share this as much as you can).